Posted: 28 February 2010
UPDATE 2: Tsunami warning for Northland
UPDATE NO.2 0550hrs: Local Civil Defence officials have repeated earlier warnings for Northlanders to stay away from East Coast beaches and estuaries as a tsunami heads towards New Zealand.
The tsunami – caused by a magnitude 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Chile – is expected to reach Northland’s East Coast about 9.15am today. It may also affect the West Coast from Cape Reinga to Ahipara at around the same time.
Clive Manley, Group Controller for the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management, says Northland Civil Defence, local authority, police and fire officials have been monitoring the situation closely and will release new information as it comes to hand.
He says officials have been contacting coastal communities throughout the region to alert them to situation, however, based on the latest scientific information the advice to people in Northland’s coastal areas remains unchanged:
- Stay off beaches
- Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
- Do not go sightseeing
- Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
- Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates
- Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities
Mr Manley says it’s important that people realise the tsunami advice as it relates to Northland may differ from that in other parts of New Zealand as the impacts of tsunami can vary greatly.
He repeated his earlier warning that the first tsunami wave to reach Northland at 9.15am may not be the largest the region experiences and that large waves may continue to arrive for up to six to 12 hours afterward. (High tide in Northland is expected about 8am.)
Similarly, strong tidal surges could also affect harbours throughout the day, a phenomenon which affected the Tutukaka Harbour during another tsunami event last year.
He says Northlanders should turn on their radios and listen to the advice/updates from Civil Defence. Local stations include:
- More FM (91.6 FM Whangarei / 92.0 FM Kerikeri / 99.7 FM Russell)
- Classic Hits (96.0 FM Northland / 96.8 FM BOI / 97.2 FM Mid-North / 97.6 FM Far North)
- Newstalk ZB (1026 AM & 1215 AM)
- Radio Live (90.6 FM Whangarei / 95.6 FM Mid-North)
- National Radio (837AM & 104.3 FM Whangarei / 837AM & 101.2FM Kaitaia & 981AM & 101.6FM Kaikohe)
Information is also available from the Northland Regional Council website www.nrc.govt.nz or www.nrc.govt.nz/tsunamiwarning